n.
Pronunciation: ' bi-t ə r
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English biter; akin to Old High German bittar bitter, Old English b ī tan to bite ― more at BITE
Date: before 12th century
1 a : being or inducing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is peculiarly acrid, astringent, or disagreeable and suggestive of an infusion of hops ― compare SALT , SOUR , SWEET b : distasteful or distressing to the mind : GALLING <a bitter sense of shame>
2 : marked by intensity or severity: a : accompanied by severe pain or suffering <a bitter death> b : being relentlessly determined : VEHEMENT <a bitter partisan> c : exhibiting intense animosity < bitter enemies> d (1) : harshly reproachful < bitter complaints> (2) : marked by cynicism and rancor < bitter contempt> e : intensely unpleasant especially in coldness or rawness <a bitter wind>
3 : expressive of severe pain, grief, or regret < bitter tears>
– bit · ter · ish \ ' bi-t ə -rish \ adjective
– bit · ter · ly adverb
– bit · ter · ness noun